Are Protein Domains Modules of Lateral Genetic Transfer?
Author Information
Author(s): Chan Cheong Xin, Darling Aaron E., Beiko Robert G., Ragan Mark A.
Primary Institution: The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Biosciences
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that domains might also serve as modules of genetic transfer.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that LGT can remodel even the most functionally conservative modules within genomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Recombination breakpoints are significantly over-represented in gene sets with annotated protein domains.
- Breakpoints do not occur uniformly at random in genes, but are preferentially associated with genes that encode protein domains.
- Many genes have been interrupted by recombination following inter-lineage genetic transfer.
Takeaway
This study looks at how genetic material can be shared between different organisms and whether specific parts of proteins, called domains, are transferred intact. It turns out that these domains often get mixed up during the transfer process.
Methodology
We selected 1,462 orthologous gene sets representing 144 prokaryotic genomes and applied a two-stage approach to identify recombination breakpoints.
Limitations
The sequences examined in this study may be under-annotated with SCOP domains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<10−14
Statistical Significance
p<10−14
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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